"I know that I'm at a Club that aims to win, and I want to win big things"

Zouhair Feddal has joined Sporting Clube de Portugal from Spanish side Real Betis. The central defender signed a two-year deal with an option for an extension- on Monday, and will join up with the first team this week for preseason training.

Speaking after putting pen to paper on his contract, the 30-year-old told Club media: "I want to say to the Sportinguistas that I am very happy to be here, and to belong to this enormous Club. The only thing that I can promise is commitment, hard work, dedication and that I will fight to the end. That's something that I will never lack, and I hope that we can achieve our objectives".

The Moroccan international played in Spain for the past five years of his senior career, including spells at Deportivo Alavés, Levante UD and Real Betis in LaLiga. He also has experience at first team level in Italy, at Serie A sides Parma, Siena and Palermo, and in his native Morocco with FUS Rabat.

Feddal follows in the footsteps of several compatriots who have represented Sporting CP, as he explained: "I know that Noureddine Naybet and Mustapha Hadji played here. This is a very well-known Club in Europe and in Africa. Sporting CP are one of Portugal's big clubs, and I'm sure that we will reach our targets. I know that I'm at a Club that aims to win, and I want to win big things".

"I will adapt to what the coach wants. I'm available for whatever he needs, and I have to show all of the Sportinguistas that I'm here to do good things and to help Sporting CP".

The Sporting CP captain addressed Club's media on the first day back from the summer break

Club captain Sebastián Coates was amongst the players joining back up with the team this monday for preseason tests and he spoke about the return to action and the mood amongst the group.

"We're starting out with the same spirit as always. We are going to give everything for the club and fight hard. We're starting preseason with objectives in mind, and we want to start things off in the best possible way," he said.

"Whoever is at this club always wants to win every game, so we will do everything to ensure that happens," added the Uruguayan. "It's a year in which we have plenty of objectives, and it's a competitive league. We are going to give our all."

Before being put through the paces in fitness tests, Coates said that players "prefer to train with the ball", but that they "know fitness is very important and a part of preseason."

Whilst a date has been set for a return to Primeira Liga action, it is still unknown as to whether fans will be able to attend games when the season gets underway. It is something that concerns the Sporting CP captain. "It's always important to have the fans by our side. It's a difficult moment around the world, and we hope to have them back at our stadium. The best message that we can give is that we will do everything to prepare well for this season. (...) This group have quality and we are going to try our utmost to be in shape -physically and tactically. We all have the ambition of winning games and reaching our objectives."

One such objective will be Champions League qualification, as well as making it through to the UEFA Europa League group stage this term. "We have to show our quality. We have to show that we are capable of having a good campaign in the Europa League. Then, playing in the Champions League next season is what we all want. Sporting CP are a big club in world football, and big clubs have to be in the big competitions. Getting into the Champions League is an objective and an ambition for us all," concluded the skipper.

Os Leões start preseason with tests at Academia Sporting

The Sporting Club de Portugal first team got their 2020/2021 preseason underway on monday, at the Academia Sporting facility in Alcochete.

Rúben Amorim's squad underwent the customary medical examinations under the watchful eye of club professionals, before fitness tests in the afternoon to measure weight, muscle mass, body fat percentage, lung capacity and more.

The tests were all carried out according to club COVID-19 prevention protocols, in place to ensure the safety of the players.

Vitorino Antunes and Pedro Porro, the most recent arrivals at the club, participated in their first official commitments alongside the team since joining this past weekend.

Training for the players will resume this week, as the start of the 2020/21 campaign draws ever closer.

“It’s a childhood dream come true,” says the new arrival

Antunes has signed a two-year contract with Sporting Clube de Portugal, joining the club for the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons.

The move is a homecoming for the portuguese defender, who has spent the past seven and half years in Spain and Ukraine.

“It’s sensational to be able to come back to Portugal, and to do so representing a Club like Sporting CP,” he told the Club media. “Playing for a big portuguese team is a childhood dream that is coming true now. It’s an enormous responsability for me, and I couldn’t let the opportunity go by.”

Antunes considers his experience abroad something that has made him “grow and improve,” and that he is “stronger than before.” Grateful for the chance to play in his homeland again, he promised that he will be up to the task.

“Above all, I work hard. I’ve never been the most attractive player to watch in terms of technique, but I’m not bad,” he joked. “I’ve always stood out for my fight and dedication, as well as my will to win.”

Asked about his new Club, Antunes commented that  he hopes to instil his qualities in the team, who deserves to win every year. "I’m coming here with that will, and I’m going to bring it to every game. I want to win trophies here.”

The one-time Malaga CF player believes that adapting will not be a problem, especially with the help of some familiar faces in Sporting CP's squad.

“Neto has been a close friend of mine for many years. He is going to be a big help for me to adapt quickly. With his help, and that of other players whom I know from other leagues, I think that my integration into the group will be easy. I know that there is a very humble group here, and that’s what we need to achieve great things for this Club: humility and hard work”

Curiously, like fellow new signing Pedro Porro, Antunes has a tattoo of a lion on his arm.

“I’m very happy, it’s a big step in my career,” says the spanish player

Sporting Clube de Portugal has signed Pedro Porro on a two-year loan from Manchester City, with an option to buy the player at the end of the agreement.

Following the confirmation of the deal, the spanish Under-21s international spoke to the Club's media about this new stage of his career.

“I’m very happy. Sporting CP is a big Club in Portugal and I’m excited about the project. I’ve come here to do my best and to have a great season”, said Porro.

The right back, who played for Real Valladolid last season, said to the fans that he is the type of player who likes to work hard, set goals and achieve them. "I’m here to give everything I have, help my teammates and help this great club.”

“I hope to bring a lot of joy here,” he continued. “I know that our fans are very passionate, so I tell them that they can be calm: I will give all I have for this shirt.”

In what might prove to be an omen, the new signing has a tattoo of a lion - the animal that represents the club- on his left arm. He says that it was the first tattoo he got because he likes lions and what they symbolise. Besides that, his grandfather had always told him ‘In life, you have to be a lion, so that you aren’t the one who is eaten.’ It was a homage to him.

Porro will train alongside his new teammates when they return from their summer break on Monday.

The coach is expecting "a war - in a good sense" next season

Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim is looking ahead to the 2020/2021 season, following an atypical campaign this term interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The coach, who took over in the dugout in March - just before the unscheduled break in the season -, is focused on what is to come in his first full year in charge.

"When we came here, our aim was to look to next season and improve our position in the league table. We only managed to maintain our position, so now we have to look towards next season. We have to keep moving forward and start a new chapter for the club", said Amorim after the final game of the year - the derby against SL Benfica.

The coach led Os Leões to a record of five wins, three draws and two defeats since his appointment, under difficult circumstances and a hectic run of fixtures in the final stage of the season. He is confident about the future, and ready for the challenge that lies ahead.

"If there is one thing that I am certain about, it’s that coming to Sporting CP was the best thing that I’ve done. I’m very happy at Sporting CP", he told journalists.

"Bring on the next season. I’m ready and I hope that the Sportinguistas are also ready for what will be a war - in a good sense. I’m highly motivated."

The first team are currently on a brief summer break, but will return to training on August 17th in preparation for the 2020/2021 season.

New coach appointed this Thursday

This Thursday Rúben Amorim was appointed as new head coach of Sporting Clube de Portugal. The former SC Braga coach, who already guided his first training session in the morning, guaranteed he is prepared to face this new phase in his sports career. 

“I am aware that this is a great challenge and I really believe in the Club. Even when you are not a part of it, everyone can see the club greatness. It is a huge pride to be in this house and defend these colors. I know what Sporting CP is, regardless of the moment. I believe in the Club and I hope they believe me. I am focused on work. I can try to convince Sporting CP fans who do not believe me, but in football results are everything. I am prepared for this challenge, I know that there is a great pressure, but I will do my best to honor this invitation”, said the 35 year-old coach who, after the presentation, also had the opportunity, together with the rest of the technical team, to visit the Sporting Museum and learn more about the Club History. 

Before the statements by Rúben Amorim, Sporting CP president, Frederico Varandas, spoke to journalists and explained the choice on the portuguese coach. “Rúben Amorim is the coach of our project, especially because he is aligned with our vision for football: supported by academy players, without fearing of training, playing and strengthening these players. He is our choice, not only for the results obtained at SC Braga, but for the deep knowledge we have of him as a man. It is a paradigm shift, and I have no problem investing in the right coach. We hired a great coach, but not a miracle worker. He is a very ambitious coach, with a lot of belief, who knows the reality of Portuguese football, the demands of a big club and Sporting’s ambition. We are completely lined up and today the 2020/2021 season starts for Sporting CP”, he considered.

Sporting CP will face İstanbul Başakşehir FK on Thursday

Sporting CP's Main Sqaud will face İstanbul Başakşehir FK, on Thursday, for the first leg Europa League's round of 32. The game is scheduled for 5:55 pm at José Alvalade Stadium.

Silas does not expect an easy task, but he believes the Lions will win at home against the Turkish team.

“It is not a curious fact that we have won all the games at home. We have been strong in the Europa League and we have not given any team a winning chance,” said the coach, adding that: “At home we are favorites”.

Even so, the green and white coach knows that this match will be different in comparison the the group stage: “It is a different phase, now the away goals are worth double in the event of a tie. So we will have to be cautious. In the group stage there is room for recovery and now, there isn't”.

"We are convinced that we can win", Silas assured.

Marcos Acuña is back at training.

Sporting CP's main squad returned to training onMonday. The team coached by Silas is focusing on the European duel against İstanbul Başakşehir FK.

The presence of Marcos Acuña, back after injury, was the main news for this weeks training sessions.

The U-23 players; Hugo Cunha, João Silva and Matheus Nunes integrated the Main Sqaud's training session.

Jérémy Mathieu, Renan Ribeiro and Luiz Phellype are out due to injury.

The Lions dominated the Match

Sporting CP guaranteed the qualification to the round of 32 of the UEFA Europa League after scoring 4 goals against PSV, on the 5th round of the Group Stage. Bruno Fernandes (2), Luiz Phellype and Jérémy Mathieu scored the goals for the green and white team. 

The Lions managed to play a fabulous first half and sealed the win before half-time by scoring 3 of the 4 goals of the match. The first goal happened after a side throw by Marcos Acuña towards Bruno Fernandes, who promptly crossed the ball to Luiz Phellype who, with a perfect header, managed to put the ball inside the net. 

Shortly after, the green and white team scored the second goal. Bruno Fernandes gained the ball outside the box and with a powerfull shot scored another amazing goal for Sporting CP.

Although PSV tried to react, the Lions managed to net a third goal at minute 42 of the first half. This time, after a corner kick taken by Bruno Fernandes, Mathieu scored a truly fantastic goal with an acrobátic gesture.

The fourth goal appeared after a penalty suffered by Acuña. The man of the moment, Bruno Fernandes, made sure it was our fourth goal of the match.

Meanwhile, Maximiano was playing his first UEL game for Sporting CP and made some impressive saves. The entire stadium was impressed by him, a goalkeeper who is the latest "product" of the World renowned Sporting Academy.

Sporting CP Team: Luís Maximiano, Valentin Rosier, Tiago Ilori, Jérémy Mathieu (Luís Neto, 73 minutes), Marcos Acuña, Idrissa Doumbia, Wendel (Rafael Camacho, 80 minutes), Bruno Fernandes (C), Yannick Bolasie, Luciano Vietto e Luiz Phellype (Jesé Rodríguez, 67 minutes).